From the Post-Star: ADIRONDACK -- James M. McKinstry, 68, of Valentine Pond Road, died Sunday, March 23, 2014, at Glens Falls Hospital, after a long illness.

Born Nov. 10, 1945, in Adirondack, he was the son of the late J. Melvin and Carol (Raines) McKinstry.

Jim served in the U.S. Navy Seabees, earning the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Fleet Marine Force Combat Operations Insignia and Two Bronze Stars – Vietnam Campaign Medal before his honorable discharge Feb. 12, 1969.

He married Jo Ann (Flewelling) McKinstry on Feb. 22, 1991, and just celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary.

After his military service, Jim worked for several contractors as a truck driver and heavy equipment operator, ending his career as a truck driver for Schroon Lake Tractors in Schroon Lake, N.Y.

Jim was an avid fisherman. He mostly fished lake trout in Schroon Lake, but also enjoyed fishing in Canada where he owned a camp for 10 years. He also enjoyed hunting in his earlier years but lost interest when he decided it was more fun to watch the deer play.

Survivors include his loving wife of 23 years, JoAnn McKinstry; a special niece, Kim Donahue, and her husband, Bob, of Adirondack, along with their children, Bobby (Chantal) Donahue Jr. of Plattsburgh and Kasey (Mark) Donahue of Lake Placid; three daughters, Elizabeth McKinstry and Barbara Taylor of Schroon Lake and Vicki Keech of Vermont; three grandchildren; and three sisters, Linda Wadsworth, Louise Smith and Laurie Draper.

 A private burial will take place at Adirondack Cemetery, Adirondack, in the spring.

Contributions in Jim’s memory may be sent to Crane Mountain Valley Horse Rescue (CMVHR), 7556 NYS Route 9, Westport, NY 12993 or Double L Stable Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, 9 Tilford Road, Argyle, NY 12809.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Glens Falls Hospital for its professionalism and compassion during Jim’s stay. Special thanks to Dr. Bachman and Dr. Nevatia for many years of compassionate care.

Condolences may be mailed to Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804 or emailed through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.